Calcium resonium powder contains the active ingredient calcium polystyrene sulphonate, which is a type of medicine called an ion exchange resin.

What is it used for?

Lowering a high level of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia), in people who are not passing urine, or who are having haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis for kidney failure.

How does it work?

Calcium resonium powder contains the active ingredient calcium polystyrene sulphonate, which is a type of medicine called an ion exchange resin.

Calcium polystyrene sulphonate binds with potassium in the gut, forming a complex that cannot be absorbed into the blood. This effectively reduces the levels of potassium in the bloodstream. It is used in situations where the level of potassium in the blood is too high, for example, in people who are not producing urine, or in people with severe kidney failure who are having dialysis.

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Calcium resonium powder can be given either by mouth, or rectally as an enema. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.

Warning!

During treatment with this medicine you will need to have regular blood tests to monitor the levels of potassium and other electrolytes, such as calcium, in your blood.

Cancer that has spread from its original site to somewhere else in the body (metastatic carcinoma)

Blockage of the bowel (bowel obstruction)

Babies under one month old (neonates) who have reduced movement in the gut, either following an operation or due to medicines.

This medicine must not be given by mouth to babies under one month old.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

High blood calcium level (hypercalcaemia)

Stomach irritation

Constipation

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Diarrhoea

Obstruction of the intestines

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

Antacids and laxatives containing magnesium or aluminium should be avoided by people using this medicine.

This medicine may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine and lithium from the gut.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain calcium polystyrene sulphonate as the active ingredient.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.